Two men from Rochdale, Mohammed Amaaz, 20, and Muhammed Amaad, 25, have been charged in connection with a physical altercation involving police officers at Manchester Airport in July. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) confirmed the charges, which include assaulting police officers, but announced no charges would be brought against the officers involved in the incident.
Mohammed Amaaz, 20, and Muhammed Amaad, 25, have been charged with assault after a fight with police at Manchester Airport in July.
The CPS confirmed no charges will be brought against officers involved.#ManchesterAirport #Police pic.twitter.com/GEK6HILqhA
— British Pakistani Index (@PakistaniIndex) December 20, 2024
The altercation, which occurred on 23 July, was captured on social media and CCTV. Footage showed a police officer stamping on a suspect’s head as he lay restrained on the ground, leading to widespread debate and scrutiny. CCTV released later showed the events leading up to the incident, including a confrontation at a car park ticketing machine involving punches, the use of a taser, and the officer’s controversial action.
Amaaz faces two counts of actual bodily harm, one count of assaulting an emergency worker, and one count of common assault. Amaad is charged with one count of actual bodily harm. Both are scheduled to appear at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court on 16 January 2025.
The CPS decision not to charge the police officers followed an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). Greater Manchester Police (GMP) Chief Constable Stephen Watson welcomed the decision and confirmed that the suspension of the officer involved had been lifted. However, he acknowledged that the IOPC’s misconduct investigation into the officer’s actions remains ongoing.
In a statement, Chief Constable Watson said, “I welcome today’s decisions from the CPS to charge two men with assaults on our officers and a member of the public. I also welcome their decision to take no further criminal action against serving officers. GMP has fully cooperated with the IOPC investigation and will continue to do so.”
He urged the public to allow court proceedings to unfold without interference, cautioning against speculation and the spread of digital content that could prejudice the case.
The incident has drawn significant public attention and debate over police conduct. While the CPS decision clears the officers of criminal charges, the IOPC’s investigation will determine if disciplinary action is warranted.